Hocking Hills

I used to laugh at Leaf Lookers. You know, those nature gulpers who live for ogling fall foliage with cameras dangling from their necks. I didn’t get why they eschewed Halloween parties and haunted houses for the likes of leaves. But then the darndest thing happened: I became the very thing at which I used to snicker. My birthday was this past weekend and I found myself with an itch that only autumn leaves could scratch. Nature called, and she wasn’t going to hold. I was overcome by metaphors. We changed our plans, rented a cabin, and scrambled to Hocking Hills for a last-minute getaway. At Hocking Hills State Park, we hiked through Cantwell Cliffs and Old Man’s Cave. We cooked spaghetti and soaked in a moonlit hot tub. We watched It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown and The Nightmare Before Christmas. Amid the crisp forest air, crunchy gold leaves, and a few chocolate cupcakes, I felt fully restored. And very much like a Leaf Looker. Click here for more photos.